Saturday 23rd February 2008 (3pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

STAINES TOWN (0) 1   AFC HORNCHURCH (1) 1

By Steve Parsons.

Steve Cordery was able to welcome Lewis Cook back from injury, replacing Dwain Clarke, and selected Leigh Mason ahead of André Scarlett, following a good performance for the Reserves on Wednesday.  Danny Gordon was serving a one match suspension for an accumulation of bookings, and was replaced by Francis Duku.  AFC Hornchurch (including unused sub Dean Green, formerly with Staines) were making their first visit to Wheatsheaf Park in their new incarnation, played on a decent pitch on a cool but overcast day, with Staines attacking the St Pinnock end in the first half, which meant that they were initially playing into the stiff breeze.

The match was sometimes bad tempered, Hornchurch’s Elliot Styles setting the tone with a crunching challenge on Adrian Toppin in the first minute.  The game was only 98 seconds old when Hornchurch took the lead, Darren Barnard clearing a Staines free-kick upfield to Frankie Curley, whose initial shot was blocked, but the clearance only reached Kris Lee, who blasted in from a tight angle.  Staines were shell-shocked for a while: Andy Tomlinson sent a dangerous cross swirling across the box, amid unsuccessful shouts for a handball against a defender; then Harry Elmes saw a geader tipped over by Courtnage.  Richard Butler was tightly marshalled by the opposition defence, who kept him shackled for much of the game, but for a moment it seemed that he would get away thanks to a good Kerem Bashkal pass, but the awkwardly bouncing ball would not come down for him.  Cook put a shot over the top from a Dave Sargent cross, and Butler was denied by a brave excursion outside his box from Brightly.  Marc Charles-Smith and Bashkal both essayed shots which were just off target, but Staines were now looking more hopeful as the half drew to a close.  The referee had seen Styles commit a number of fouls – including treading on Mason while he was on the ground, before finally producing a yellow card for his 43rd minute push on Bashkal.  A minute later, having offended again, he barged into Toppin while taking up his position to defend the free kick.  Toppin did not react, but when Styles barged him again, the Staines midfielder ‘used his chest as a weapon’ (to quote the assistant referee – the only official to observe this), and – attracted by Styles’ dramatic fall, referee Eric Mackrell produced a straight red for Toppin, and took no action against Styles. 

Staines looked as though they would be up against it in the second half, especially as Curley had a golden opportunity to make it 2-0 just 6 minutes in, though Courtnage shepherded him wide, and with Mason getting booked for a foul.  Then Curley and Mark Janney combined to set up a chance for Lee to fire a volley towards goal, but Courtnage made the save.  Staines, however, battled their way back into the game, winning more possession but failing to make much of the wind, while the Urchins’ defence coped admirably with what they could throw at them.  Charles-Smith had a cross-shot cleared into the opposite half, but Butler received the ball 10 yards over the half way line, and his two markers paid the price for giving him a little more space than they would have liked, Butler bursting forward at speed, and letting fly with a low shot from the edge of the ‘D’ and seeing his shot nestle into the net via the foot of the post.  Staines now suddenly started to believe that they could win the game, even with a man short.  Lewis Cook sent over two super corners in quick succession, the first being headed out by Goddard, and the second leading to a huge scramble, Flitter heading the ball back across goal towards Duku, only for Brightly to save bravely at his feet.  The game now really opened out, and Curley bustled through for the visitors, but shot over.  Staines introduced Risbridger, and within 3 minutes he was fouled by Hornchurch sub Des Boateng, who became the final yellow card of the match. Butler set Swans’ other sub, Scarlett, away, but he stumbled when well placed, and then a Sargent corner was met by the head of Flitter, only for Jamie Richards to clear off the line in the 88th minute.  In the end it was the visitors who could have taken all the points.  A Swans attack was cleared up to Brothers, who – supported by two team-mates – outnumbered the home defence, but he failed to control.  In the dying seconds, a ball to Richards gave him a great chance to square to the unmarked Janney in the middle, but instead he decided to shoot and Courtnage forced him to fire into the side netting.  It is a result which will suit neither side, but which keeps both in the hunt for play-off places, Staines holding onto 3rd spot in a logjam of clubs.

Staines: Courtnage, Nugent, Sargent, Duku, Flitter ©, Mason, Bashkal (Scarlett 71), Toppin [SO 45+1], Butler, Charles-Smith, Cook (Risbridger 82); unused Nwokeji, McDonald, Clarke.

AFC Hornchurch: Brightly, Barnard (Boateng 61), Glozier, Purdie ©, Goddard, Tomlinson (Brothers HT), Curley, Janney, K Lee, Elmes (Richards 69), Styles; unused Green, McFarlane.

Ref: Eric Mackrell (Petersfield, Hants); ARs R Ellis, J Flynn (both W Sussex); att 331.  

Tuesday 19th February 2008 (7:30pm) – Ryman Youth League

STAINES TOWN Academy (0) 0

MAIDSTONE UNITED Youths (0) 1

Staines lost at home for the first time this season, going down narrowly to Maidstone.  The first half was a tight affair, with one decent chance at each end.  Enos Rodger headed just over from a James King cross, and Michael Marren made a super tackle when an opponent got away. However, 9 minutes into the second half, a foul right on the edge of the box by Jon Vickers on McParland brought a booking for the Staines defender, and a penalty which Maidstone’s England Schools international Ashley Ulph converted.  Staines went on to receive two further bookings – Marren for a foul (58m) and King for a stiff challenge on the ‘keeper (87m).  Staines tried hard to get back into the game, with ‘keeper Luke Phillips stretching to tip an inswinging James McShane corner over the bar, and then denying Luke Elliott at close range, following McShane’s free kick.  In the absence of top scorer Lyle Taylor (injured v Portsmouth while on a trial at Millwall), McShane looked Swans most dangerous player, and he felt he should have won a penalty when tripped on the edge of the box.  However, this time it was adjudged inches outside, and his free kick was just too high.  On 84 mins, Kieran Kiffin made a tenacious run and crossed to Elliott Thompson, whose low shot was well saved by Phillips.

Staines: Kristos Straker, Jon Vickers, Daniel Dunning, Luke Elliott, Sam Nicholson, Michael Marren ©, Hyun Jin Lee, James King (Elliott Thompson 52), Enos Rodger (Florin Ramizi 76), Ryan Jackson (Kieran Kiffin 69), James McShane; unused Nassir Ali, Marvin Farrell.

Maidstone: Luke Phillips, Robert Carter, Craig White, Ashley Ulph ©, Scott Whibley, Marcus Anderson (Ollie Bloss 81), James Humphreys (Joe Heath 68), Matthew Garner, Craig Roxburgh (Danny Brann 64), Miles Cornwell, Matthew McParland.

Ref: Jonathan Weeks (Sunbury); ARs Roger I Wheeler (Ruislip), Andy Brooker (Sunbury); Att 37.

Sunday 17th February

Staines Town's Women's team had a dramatic 3-2 defeat in the London & SE Women's Regional League at Battersea on Sunday afternoon.  Lou Richards put them ahead on 33 mins, but Nicky Binder equalised 4 minutes into the second half, and then put the home side ahead on 66.  Staines, who were by now reduced to 9 fit players through injury, scored a stunning equaliser through Julie Newell in the 89th minute, only for Binder to complete her hat-trick in stoppage time, to complete a shock 'double' over the Swans.

Saturday 16th February 2008 (3pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

MARGATE (0) 3  STAINES TOWN (0) 1

By Steve Parsons.

Staines made the first of two journeys to Kent in 3 days, to take on a Margate side who were stung by defeats in their last two games.  In their two previous League visits to Hartsdown Park, Staines had pulled off stunning victories, and – with the recent dropped points – they were hoping to repeat that on a very bright, but bitterly cold afternoon.  The pitch was firm and flat, and Staines attacked the clubhouse end in the first half.  Steve Cordery moved Francis Duku to the bench, and was without Mark Nwokeji (injured) and Howard Newton (called up for Guyana national squad), but Matt Flitter regained the armband after recovering from injury, Marc Charles-Smith returned to the starting XI, and Kerem Bashkal got his first start.  Gareth Risbridger was over his back problem, and came on as sub early in the second half.

Margate were almost caught cold in the opening seconds, when Charles-Smith moved forward from the kick-off, and stretched ’keeper Scott Chalmers-Stevens into making a save under his crossbar.  Richard Butler played a ball into the box and Staines had a decent shout for a penalty as Margate captain Steve McKimm seemed to handle, before Dwain Clarke played a tantalising ball just beyond the far post, following a clever pass from Bashkal.  The former Crystal Palace man looked very impressive in his first full game for the senior side, and was involved with most of Staines’ best moments in a good first half for the visitors.  Charles-Smith again went close, forcing a defender to head the ball out for what should have been a corner, but midway through the half, the home side started to get back into the game.  Jimmy Jackson returned to the field after receiving treatment, and delivered a fine ball to McKimm, who could only blaze over James Courtnage’s bar.  Then James Pinnock had two decent chances, but was called fractionally offside for the first, and handled the second.  However, Staines steadied themselves to come back at their hosts, with Bashkal sending a speculative effort just too high.  Then Butler showed great strength and tenacity to worm past the ‘keeper, but was forced wide in the process, and could not quite pick out a yellow shirt in the middle.  Butler unfortunately picked up a yellow card for dissent when throwing the ball to the ground at a doubtful throw-in decision.  Another handball, this time against Robin Trott, gave Clarke the chance to send a free kick into the box; although this was cleared, it fell to Adrian Toppin, but unfortunately he failed to make a firm connection.  Margate then went forward, pinging the ball back and forth across the area several times, before James Courtnage coolly collected.  They then went close from a free kick, but McKimm drove inches over.  Staines ended the half strongly, with a good move involving André Scarlett, Clarke and Butler coming to nought, and then Butler setting up Charles-Smith for a good shot which drew and excellent diving save from Chalmers-Stevens.  In stoppage time, the referee was faced with a dilemma, as Chalmers-Stevens went up for a high ball and made the catch firmly in both hands, but as he came down, he found that he was hugging Charles-Smith!  An impasse seemed to have developed, but the referee was relieved to spot a way out when the Staines forward laid a hand on the ball.

If Staines had been the better side in the first half, that situation was reversed after the break.  Although the half began badly for Margate – Mark Goodfellow collecting a booking for fouling Butler, Staines were soon on the back foot, and Courtnage was kept occupied with several routine.  Staines were awarded a penalty in somewhat fortunate circumstances on 63 minutes, when Ryan Peters tried to clear Risbridger’s ball into the box, but dliced the ball upwards and then batted it down with his arm.  Perhaps he could have waited for gravity to take its course – but the referee judged that, had he done so, he would have been pressurised by an old gold shirt, and thus gained an advantage.  After a short delay while Trott protested a second unfortunate penalty against his team in a week, Dave Sargent kept his cool to drive home the spot kick on 64 mins.  Staines, however, failed to hang onto their lead for more than 2 minutes, when Rob Haworth helped on a Dean Standen corner from the left towards James Pinnock at the far post, and his powerful shot took a slight deflection before nestling into the net.  A momentary flare-up between Nugent and Standen resulted in a pair of yellow cards, before Butler carved out a chance to restore Swans’ advantage.  He rode two stiff challenges to power his way into the box, but could only find the side netting.  At the other end, Staines had Courtnage to thank for a flying save to deny Pinnock, whose close range volley looked to be goalbound.  However, it was a far less promising position – a speculative 75th minute effort from way out on the left by Jimmy Jackson – which did put Margate in front, as the ball swerved into the far top corner of the net.  Staines reshuffled their pack, bringing on McDonald and Duku to vary their options going forward, but gaps developed at the other end, and a minute into stoppage time, Margate made it 3-1.  A great pass by McKimm picked out Pinnock, and he guided his shot just under the bar.  Staines surprisingly retained 3rd spot.

Staines: Courtnage, Nugent, Sargent, Gordon (Duku 85), Flitter ©, Scarlett (McDonald 76), Bashkal, Toppin, Butler, Charles-Smith, Clarke (Risbridger 60); unused Thomas, Phillips (gk).

Margate: Chalmers-Stevens, Peters, Josephs, Martin, Goodfellow, Trott, McKimm ©, Standen, Pinnock, Haworth, Jackson; unused Corbishley, Bowles, Quain, Morris, Smith.

Ref: C Hatzidakis (Eltham); ARs Baker, Macey (both Kent); est att 460.  

Tuesday 12th February 2008 (7:45pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

STAINES TOWN (2) 2  HASTINGS UNITED (2) 2

By Steve Parsons.

Staines dropped two more valuable points to a hard working, yet still relegation-haunted, Hastings side.  Captain Matt Flitter was a rare absentee due to a back injury, and Leigh Mason was away on business, but Marcel Nugent and André Scarlett returned from injury.  On a very cold evening, Staines attacked the houses end in the first half, with the pitch in good condition.

The visitors, who had shocked Staines by defeating them at Pilot Field just 2? weeks ago, began this game in determined mood: Jimmy Elford sent a shot just too high, and a Sam Adams drive forced James Courtnage into an early save.  It was no real surprise when they took the lead on 15 minutes, Ade Olorunda surging into the box and feeding Danny Leach, who steered his low shot into the corner of the net.  Adams and Leach again threatened, but Staines might have levelled on 22 minutes, when Scarlett’s corner caused confusion in the box before being eventually cleared back to him, and his powerful drive was fingertipped away by ‘keeper Lee Worgan. Then Howard Newton made a good run on the right, before being halted by a well times Adams tackle.  Moments later, Scarlett picked out Mark Nwokeji, but his shot went just wide of the upright.  In the 26th minute, there was a repeat of the previous Tuesday’s incident, when Richard Butler advanced towards the box, but was tripped by defender Rhys Whyborne.  Referee Williams had no hesitation in dismissing the offender, but with the free-kick thudding into the wall, Staines once again were left feeling aggrieved.  Hastings boss Tony Dolby quickly reorganised, making a substitution to cover for his missing defender, and proceding with only A Olorunda up front for much of the rest of the game.  However, that was enough for them to extend their lead on 36 minutes, when Staines failed to clear Danny Spice’s throw-in, and Ade Olorunda received the ball from his brother Tim, before shooting low into the corner.  However, Staines reduced the arrears just 40 seconds later, as Nwokeji surged forward from the kick off, eluding a Rose challenge, and passed to Butler, who shot beyond Worgan.  The ball his the foot of the post, but rebounded across goal where Mark Nwokeji tapped it in.  Staines were now rampant, and they levelled the scores just 3 minutes later.  Nugent played the ball forward from a free kick, and Adrian Toppin latched on to it, firing past Worgan from close range.  Staines continued to press against the 10 men, but it remained 2-2 at the interval.

Butler went close with shots either side of half time, and then picked up a caution for handling the ball into the net.  Staines supporters then had the worrying sight of Nwokeji limping off with what appeared to be a recurrence of his hamstring problem, Marc Charles-Smith replacing him.  Staines continued to have the best of the game, with Toppin twice going close, Nugent firing one just too high, and Charles-Smith seeing a goalbound shot deflected wide by defender Nathan Russell.  On 64 minutes, Butler received from Nugent and drove into the box, but was again out of luck as defender Spice diverted his shot against the underside of the bar before clearing.  Staines became frustrated in the last quarter, with a succession of misplaced passes making life easier for the visiting defence, who also coped well with the long balls pumped at them.  Howard Newton forced Worgan to save with his feet after cutting into the box 9 minutes from time, and, after Butler had again gone close, Newton marked his last game before his international duty by finding Toppin, who was untidily fouled by Rose, for which the Hastings man was cautioned.  The ensuing free kick, by Dwain Clarke, was bundled round for a corner. 

John Williams and his colleagues at AT&T Electrical Wholesalers selected Dave Sargent as their Man of the Match.  With AFC Wimbledon winning the night’s other league fixture, Swans dropped a place to 3rd in the table.

Staines: Courtnage, Nugent, Sargent (McDonald 86), Gordon ©, Duku, Scarlett (Bashkal 72), Clarke, Toppin, Butler, Nwokeji (Charles-Smith 58), H Newton; unused Flitter, Phillips (gk).

Hastings: Worgan, Spice, Elford ©, Whyborne [SO 26], Russell, Simpson (Eldridge 90+3), Adams, T Olorunda, A Olorunda, Leach (Rose 27), Carey; Gonella, Sawyer. Dolby.

Ref: C Williams; ARs A Roberts, W Ingram; est att 272.  

Thursday 14th February

There were mixed fortunes for the two Staines teams in action on Valentine's night.  The Academy team went down 3-0 to Kingstonian in a disappointing performance at Cobham FC, surrendering 3 valuable Ryman Youth League points.

However, the Reserves progressed to the final of the Capital League's President's Challenge Cup for the second year running.  João Pedro Alves da Silva scored for the Swans, but it was all square by half time against his old club, Croydon Athletic.  With no goals in the second half, competition rules dictate that the tie goes straight to penalties, and here young 'keeper Danny Fisher was the hero, saving two spot kicks to help Staines to a 5-4 win.  They will meet AFC Hornchurch in the Final, on a date & venue to be decided, and hope to go one better than last term when beaten 4-1 in the final by Dulwich.

Saturday 9th February 2008 (3:00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

STAINES TOWN (3) 4  MAIDSTONE UNITED (1) 2

By Steve Parsons.

Staines put the midweek disappointment behind them to record a confidence-boosting victory over Maidstone United, the former Football League club who were making their first ever visit to Wheatsheaf Park.  Francis Duku was given his début for the club, coming into the defence at the expense of Marcel Nugent and looking very impressive, and Richard Butler got his first chance to shine in front of the home fans.  Steve Cordery’s other team change was to prefer Dwain Clarke to Lewis Cook.  The pitch was in good, flat condition, and the day was warm and sunny.  Staines attacked the houses end in the first half.

There was a hesitant start as one of the Maidstone players needed long treatment on a knee injury within seconds of the kick-off, but once he was restored to fitness, it was Staines who quickly went onto the attack.  Mark Nwokeji got on the end of a neat move and fired across goal, and it was he who opened the scoring in the 11th minute.  Craig ‘Bert’ Roser’s clearance was turned back towards the danger area by Howard Newton, and Butler picked out Nwokeji with a diagonal pass, whereupon the top scorer turned smartly and drilled a shot into the opposite corner of the net.  Keeper Pat Mullin made a super reflex save to keep out a glancing Nwokeji header 5 minutes later, but on 23 minutes Nwokeji scored another tremendous goal, receiving a fine pass from Clarke and beating his man before cutting into the area and again finding the bottom corner.  However, Maidstone played their part in an exciting game, pulling one back 9 minutes later, when Lee Shearer’s header from Conor Hagan free kick brought a fine save from James Courtnage, but Jacob Erskine headed home the rebound.  Butler seemed a little unfortunate to be cautioned, for apparently showing the referee marks on his thigh where the ‘keeper had caught him late, but Staines pressed forward again with Clarke going close.  Moments before the interval, Butler found Mason, who eluded a challenge from Tydeman before playing the ball into the penalty area, where Nwokeji turned smartly in the congested area and completed a hat-trick of fine finishes.  In doing so, he became the first player since Alan Gregory in the late 1980s to score a second hat-trick for the club.

In the second half, Nwokeji time and again came close to emulating Kezie Ibe by scoring a fourth – beginning with a shot which deflected just wide, but it was not to be.  He also went close when a move begun at the back by Courtnage, and progressed up the middle by Butler, ended with Nwokeji outpacing the defender and chipping over Mullin, only for the ball to bounce just wide.  But Staines soon made it 4-1, with 51 minutes played, when good approach play on the left ended with Clarke slipping a pass in to Howard Newton who hit a low, hard shot beyond Mullin.  Mullin did well to touch a 20 yard Butler drive over for a corner, and there was a further setback for the visitors on 57 minutes, when they had to substitute Ben Lewis.  The skipper had been taken violently sick in the dressing room at half time, and felt ill again early in the second half, so much so that an ambulance was called and he was briefly hospitalised.  Thankfully, he was later released, and was believed to have been suffering from dehydration.  Two more cautions followed in quick succession, Maidstone’s James Peacock (who had only just come on) for a foul on Newton, and Staines’ Clarke, also for a mis-timed tackle: he made way for Marc Charles-Smith soon afterwards.  The visitors kept battling, and were rewarded with a second when Sam Tydeman’s 68th minute strike from outside the box was diverted at close range by Alex Tiesse to deceive Courtnage.  Nwokeji had a one-on-one saved by Mullin, and then broke through again, this time passing to Charles-Smith who shot into the side netting.  Nwokeji volley wide after a good ball from Newton, and Adrian Toppin saw a powerful header well saved following a corner.  At the other end, Tiesse made a good run and powerful shot, but this time the deflection was kinder to Courtnage, carrying the ball into his arms.  In injury time, Newton saw a shot on the turn spin inches wide, before the final whistle, and the award – by Gary Dawson and Colin Rainbow of Cor-Bell Roofing Supplies – of the Sponsor’s Man of the Match award to the impressive and hard working Richard Butler. 

Having completed the double over Maidstone, Staines now rise to second place (on goal difference) – their highest position since they very briefly topped the table after defeating Maidstone back I August.

Staines: Courtnage, Duku, Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Mason, Clarke (Charles-Smith 66), Toppin, Butler, Nwokeji, H Newton; unused Scarlett, Bashkal, Nugent, Phillips (gk).    MASCOT - Belcher Rainbow

Maidstone: Mullin, Paul, Roser, Lewis © (Lacy 57), Shearer, Owen, Tydeman, Hagan, Erskine, Tiesse, Hegley (Peacock 54); unused Freeman, Takalobighashi, Northwood (gk).

Ref: A Slaughter; ARs S Griffiths, P Shevens; est att 383.

Tuesday 6th February 2008 (7:45pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

LEYTON (1) 2   STAINES TOWN (2) 2

By Steve Parsons.

Staines made the visit to East London to take on the League’s bottom club, and dropped two points on a desperately disappointing night.  Steve Cordery was able to start Mark Nwokeji alongside Richard Butler for the first time, and also reintroduced Lewis Cook, while Marc Charles-Smith and Dwain Clarke were moved to the bench.  Travelling but not involved was Victor Asombang, and the striker was released to join Harrow Borough by the end of the week.  Leyton were on a run of 12 successive League defeats, following the loss of their manager (replaced in a caretaker capacity by Troy Townsend) and many of their players, who had been replaced largely by Youth teamers.  Staines attacked the south end of the ground in the first half, towards the not-quite-completed new covered stand.  The pitch, although a little threadbare, was in very good condition – firm and flat – and the weather was cold and windy, with a protracted shower during the second half.

At first there was nothing to suggest that Staines would not emerge with the expected routine victory.  After dominating the opening exchanges, skipper Matt Flitter celebrated his second goal of the week when he sidefooted home from 6 yards, following a Leigh Mason free kick.  Then, on 21 minutes, Richard Butler bagged his first for the club, when he got his head to a Nwokeji cross.  Although young goalkeeper Sam Tanner made an agile save, he was powerless to keep the ball out when Butler controlled the rebound and planted his close range shot into the corner of the net.  Staines were rampant, with a couple of other chances denied by narrow offsides, while Leyton had two players booked – Ramos-Gonzalez for a foul on Nwokeji, and skipper Desmond Thomas for shirt pulling.  On 27 minutes, Howard Newton netted what might have been a third goal, but the strike was ruled out for another offside decision.  However, the home side did create a handful of half-chances, but McCoy, Gonzalez and Gracey could not keep their efforts on target.  However, on 43 minutes, Danny Gordon was cautioned for a foul on Imbert 20 yards out, and John Bricknell curled a stunning free kick into the top corner.  On the stroke of half time, Butler raced unopposed towards goal, only to be tripped by captain Desmond Thomas, who received a straight red card.  Staines now faced a young team without one of its most experienced players – but as it transpired, the goal which Butler might have scored would have been so much more valuable to them.

Troy Townsend made his opinions on the dismissal loudly known as the teams left the field, leading to a disagreement in the players’ tunnel, which in turn prompted Essex referee Andrew Parker to dismiss both managers from the benches for the second half, along with one of the Leyton subs (Victor Renner) who had not yet come on.  Half time was extended by some 12 minutes while everything settled down, aided by League Secretary Nick Robinson who happened to be present.  Strangely, after the two teams took the field for the restart, Leyton were then called off again by Mr Townsend, prompting worries that they were walking off – only for it to be realised that the referee and his assistants had not yet emerged!

Thankfully, the second half was played in a very sporting fashion by both teams, and there was not so much as a yellow card for the remainder of the game.  Clarke was an early addition replacing Cook for the Swans, who continued to look for more goals: however, Nwokeji’s one-on-one was thwarted by the outstanding Tanner, the stand-in captain, who also dived to keep out his long shot.  However, as the rain started to fall, Leyton started to make inroads, and Shaun Lee proved to be something of a midfield general.  On 70 minutes, another Nwokeji effort was well saved by Tanner, and Butler as not quite able to turn the rebound in as a defender got back to force the corner.  On 74 minutes, Butler and Nwokeji showed more evidence of what will hopefully proved to be a very fruitful partnership, when the newcomer did some good work on the left and crossed for Nwokeji to hit a first time volley against the post, from 20 yards, with Newton dragging the rebound wide. A corner shortly after was met by a powerful Adrian Toppin header, which was also well saved by Tanner, who appeared to have hurt his back when diving to his left, but was able to continue after treatment.  He showed no sign of injury when helping a Clarke free kick over the bar, despite his small stature.  Staines were stunned to concede an equaliser with just 5 minutes of normal time remaining, when they broke down the left and crossed for Bricknell to hit another fine shot on the turn from just inside the box.  Kareem Imbert might have snatched a winner, when he broke away on his own, but fired over the bar.  Meanwhile, Staines tried desperately to salvage a victory, but in a huge 87th minute scramble, Nwokeji, Mason and Sargent all had efforts blocked, and two chances fell to Clarke in stoppage time, but both went fractionally off target.

The only relief for Staines was that the point was enough to lift them to 3rd spot, as both Horsham and Hornchurch suffered surprise defeats on the same night.

Staines: Courtnage, Nugent, Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Mason, Cook (Clarke 49), Toppin, Butler (Charles-Smith 81), Nwokeji, H Newton; unused Bashkal, Thompson, Duku.

Leyton: Tanner, McCoy, Ramos-Gonzalez, Gracey, A Thomas (Ojelabi HT), D Thomas ©  [SO 45], Lee, Okyere, Imbert, J Bricknell, Luke (Edwards 76); unused Dallender, Renner [SO HT], Haywood.

Ref: Parker; ARs Tilley, Franklin (all Essex); est att 62.

Tuesday 26th January 2008 (7:30) – Ryman Youth League: att 45

STAINES TOWN KC Academy (1) 2

LEATHERHEAD Youths (1) 1

Martyn Spong’s academy side scored a super victory against the league’s form team, Leatherhead, whose 5 straight wins going into this match included a 7-2 success over leaders AFC Wimbledon.  Staines were able to welcome back, for their first games of the season, James McShane (after a season playing professionally in Scotland) and Dominic Dwyer (after a series of operations on broken metatarsals).  But it was the other “double D” – Duniel Dunning – who opened the scoring on 25 mins, when he advanced upfield from inside his own half, exchanged passes with McShane, and then thrashed the ball home from 25 yards.  However, Swans’ lead was short-lived, as Tom Hutchins levelled just 3 minutes later.  Staines continued to do well, with Elliott Thompson in fine form, and deservedly scored the winner on 68 minutes.  Lyle Taylor sent over a free-kick, and Dominic Dwyer deceived ‘keeper Gibson with a glancing header.

Staines: Kristos Straker, Jon Vickers, Daniel Dunning, Luke Elliott ©, Sam Nicholson, James King, Nassir Ali (Hyun Jin Lee 71), Elliott Thompson, Lyle Taylor, Enos Rodger (Dominic Dwyer 55), James McShane (Will Marlowe 80); unused Ernest Dwumfour, Kieran Kiffin.

Leatherhead: Tom Gibson, Robert Stevenson, Hamzah Malik, Russell Noble (cautioned), Joel Fontana, Dan Dean, Robbie Hendry, Simon McManus, Sacha McBaye, Daryl Cooper-Smith (Tom Horley), Tom Hutchins (Charlie Marshall); unused Tom Williams, Steven Barozilli.

Ref: Steve Barry (Feltham); ARs Jonathan Weeks (Sunbury), Corin Readett (Staines).

Thu 28 Jan - Capital League (West)

Staines Town Res v Hemel Hempstead Res - postponed; waterlogged pitch

Saturday 2nd February 2008 (3:00pm) – Ryman League Premier Division

WEALDSTONE (0) 1   STAINES TOWN (1) 2

By Steve Parsons.

On the face of it, a routine fixture at a bottom-four club, Staines’ 50th game since the start of pre-season had suddenly become one of their most important of the campaign.  A recent dip in form and a crippling injury list meant that this had become a must-win match for Steve Cordery’s men.  Of those who limped out of Tuesday’s game, Shaun Allaway was unfit and the goalkeeper’s shirt went to James Courtnage, Lewis Cook was only fit enough to be a late sub, but Marc Charles-Smith had recovered well to start.  He was partnered up front by yesterday’s exciting new signing Richard Butler, who completed the short journey from Ashford, by way of AFC Wimbledon and St Albans City.  Also making a late sub appearance was Mark Nwokeji, who had a pre-match fitness test on his tight hamstring.  Gordon Bartlett’s Wealdstone side included former Swans favourite André De Lisser.  In contrast to the last two outings, Saturday’s pitch was firm and flat, if a little threadbare, and Staines attacked the entrance end in the first half of a bright but chilly afternoon.

Staines looked lively from the off, Butler very quickly linking up with his new team-mates, and being involved with a neat move with Charles-Smith and Leigh Mason, from which Dwain Clarke’s shot deflected out for a corner.  Taking a grip on the game, Staines were unlucky again when a Charles-Smith effort was only diverted from goal by the toe of Robert Rice sending it for a corner.  However, they took the lead in the 28th minute, when a Howard Newton ran onto a long pass from Dave Sargent, and in acres of space he coolly lifted the ball over the advancing Keita Karamoko.  Led by James Gray, the home defenders protested bitterly to the linesman that he was offside, but the officials were adamant that – though other attackers were in offside positions but did not interfere – Newton had run from behind the defence.  Wealdstone put together some chances later in the half, but to no avail, and at half time replaced the reportedly unsettled Lee O’Leary.

The second half was only moments old when H Newton’s tenacity won a corner for the visitors, and this was swung into the box by Clarke, and met by the head of Matt Flitter.  The ball then took a pinball path via the head of defender Chappell, Karamoko’s hand, and the crossbar before crossing the line for the Swans’ captain’s second goal of the season.  The Stones steadied their ship and enjoyed a better spell after that goal, but Staines wasted a great chance to wrap things up when a three man attack involving Charles-Smith, Butler and Newton was thwarted by a single defender.  And to make matters worse, the home side raced forward and scored with a great Lee Chappell strike from a De Lisser cross.  Staines then had to survive a panic in the box sparked by a huge Chappell throw-in, and a Peter Dean strike which dipped just over the bar, before Charles-Smith outsprinted Carl Martin, only to see his shot touched for a corner.  Having been exposed in that attack, Martin limped off to be replaced by Papali.  Again Staines endured some nervy moments, which could have been relieved if Leigh Mason had been able to keep his shot down, when released by an incisive diagonal pass by Clarke.  The only booking of the match came 9 minutes from time, the referee finally losing patience with Gray after a foul, and moments later Staines introduced Nwokeji: however, as Butler was the man to make way, the Massive will have to wait a little longer to see the pair form what should be a formidable strike partnership.  Nwokeji linked up with his fellow sub, Lewis Cook, to weave into the box and send a shot just over the bar, and after a danger moment was averted by an offside flag, in the end Staines were well worth their 2-1 win.  Other results – including Ashford’s win over Harrow – helped them to reclaim their 4th spot in the table.

Staines: Courtnage, Nugent, Sargent, Gordon, Flitter ©, Mason, H Newton, Toppin, Charles-Smith, Butler (Nwokeji 81), Clarke (Cook 79); unused Bashkal, Asombang, Maskell.

Wealdstone: Karamoko, Rice, Chappell, Martin (Papali 71), Gray, Ashe, L O’Leary (Hughes HT), C O’Leary ©, De Lisser, Dean, Montgomery (Reid 84); unused Gross, Nichols.

Ref: Chris Miller (Isham, Northants); ARs N Kirby & A Aylott (both Beds); est att 248. 

Sunday 3rd February 2008 (ko 2pm) – att 27

London & South East Women’s Regional League, Division One (London)

STAINES TOWN Women (3) 5

LUTON TOWN LFC (0) 0

The rivalry between these two sides has sometimes been intense, but on this occasion, Staines equalled their largest margin of victory over the Hatters.  On a blustery afternoon at Wheatsheaf Park, Lucy McNeil went close on three occasions in the first half, but their opening goal came on 17 minutes when Julie Newell powered a left footed shot into the bottom corner. Luton’s best chance fell to Tamzine Neale, but Karrin French-Wollen flew across goal to push her shot for a corner.  Staines lost skipper Sharon Heaven to a pulled muscle on 32 minutes, so Newell took the armband, and Jo Ginger moved into defence to make was for sub Tasha Lodder.  And it was Lodder who doubled the lead just 2 minutes after coming on, beating Makwakwa with a snappy angled volley from a Lou Richards cross from the right.  Just one minute later, Lou Richards extended the lead to 3-0, her low shot from the edge of the box proving too powerful for Makwakwa to hold, and it rolled across the line.  Two minutes into the second half, Tasha Lodder netted her second of the game, a rasping shot from outside the box eluding the defender on the line whose despairing clearance attempt only helped it in.  One of the best moves of the game, involving McNeil and Sam Oliver ended with Lisa Samuel crashing in number 5, also from outside the box, on 52 minutes.  There were no further goals, although Luton threatened with a Neale run which was halted by a superb tackle from Nat Parsons, and a Moss effort from a corner which Ginger blocked.  At the other end, McNeil, Anne Hutchinson, and Ginger all had shots saved by Makwakwa.

Staines: Karrin French-Wollen, Lynsey York, Jenni Friar, Julie Newell, Sharon Heaven © (Tasha Lodder 32), Natalie Parsons, Louisa Richards, Lucy McNeil, Jo Ginger, Sam Oliver, Lisa Samuel (Anne Hutchinson 72).

Luton: B Makwakwa, Alice Burbury, Laura Massey, Anne Folan, Rebecca Dimmock, K Moss, Tamzine Neale ©, Jacqui Speed, K Stratton (N Shepherd 70), B Hedges (L Hemmings 69), Kristina ‘Nina’ Hale; unused K McIntosh.

Ref: George Allman (Sunbury-on-Thames); ARs Marco Bianco (Chertsey / STFC 0-20 mins), Pete Friar (Camberley / STFC 20-90 mins); Ken Speed (LTLFC).